12 Taekwondo Belt Order To Master Your Craft

May 2024 ยท 13 minute read

Taekwondo, A Korean Martial Art, uses a ranking system to gauge a student's progress, also known as the Belt order. Belts typically range from white to black with variations depending on the organization.

The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo (WT) utilize slightly different ranking systems. The belts mentioned here are from the World Taekwondo Belts ranking system. 

Starting with white, the beginner learns foundational skills and Taekwondo etiquette. As they progress through colored belts like yellow, green, and blue, they refine techniques, gain confidence, and develop self-defense abilities.

Advanced colored belts like red and black stripes mark mastery of fundamental skills and prepare students for the demanding black belt level. Black belt levels are divided into "Dan" ranks, typically from 1st to 9th. Each Dan represents deepening knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities.

White Belt

In World Taekwondo (WT), the white belt signifying the 12th Geup in the belt ranking system, marks the very first step on the exciting path of martial arts mastery.

By diligently mastering the fundamentals at this level, students pave the way for a successful and rewarding martial arts journey. Here are the Key Learnings that are imparted to the students at this level.

To advance to the yellow belt (11th Geup), students must demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of white belt training. This includes:

Yellow Belt

Having successfully navigated the 12th Geup, students proudly wear the yellow belt, signifying the 11th Geup in World Taekwondo.

This level marks a period of continued growth, solidifying the foundation laid in the previous stage and expanding technical knowledge. Here are the learnings gained by the students at this level.

Earning the Orange belt (10th Geup) requires demonstrating mastery of the yellow belt curriculum. This includes:

Orange Belt

After solidifying their foundation in the yellow belt stage, students proudly don the vibrant orange belt, signifying the 10th Geup in World Taekwondo.

This level marks a period of significant growth and challenge, pushing students to refine their skills and delve deeper into the world of Taekwondo. Here are the Key Learnings at this level. 

Earning the Green Belt (9th Geup) requires mastering the Orange Belt. This includes demonstrating the following.

Green Belt

The green belt, signifying the 9th Geup in World Taekwondo, marks a significant milestone on the path to martial arts mastery.

This stage is characterized by embracing new challenges, further refining existing skills, and developing a deeper understanding of the art. Here are the Key Learnings of this Belt. 

Advancing to the Purple Belt (8th Geup) requires demonstrating mastery of the green belt by demonstrating. 

Purple Belt

The purple belt signifies the 8th Geup level in World Taekwondo. This stage serves as a bridge between the foundational skills developed in the lower ranks and the advanced techniques explored in the higher levels. 

It demands a deep commitment to training, refined execution, and a growing understanding of the art's philosophy. Here are this belt's Key Learnings.

The Blue Belt can be earned by demonstrating mastery of the Purple Belt, which requires:

Blue Belt

The vibrant blue belt, signifying the 7th Geup in World Taekwondo, marks a pivotal stage in a student's martial arts journey. 

This level represents a significant step forward from the foundational skills mastered in the earlier ranks, demanding increased dedication, technical refinement, and exploration of advanced concepts. Here are the learnings and characteristics associated with this level. 

The Students must demonstrate mastery of the Blue Belt before they move up to the Blue Belt Sr. (6th Geup) by:

Blue Belt Sr.

The blue belt senior, signifying the 6th Geup in World Taekwondo, represents an important  benchmark on the path to martial arts mastery.

This stage is characterized by refining advanced techniques, exploring sparring strategies, and taking on leadership roles within the Taekwondo community. Here are this stage's Key Learnings.

To earn the Brown Belt (5th Geup) the students must demonstrate the following:

Brown Belt

Proudly worn by accomplished practitioners, the brown belt signifies the 5th Geup level in World Taekwondo. This stage marks a significant transition from advanced proficiency to leadership and refinement. 

Students at this level are expected to demonstrate mastery of technical skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the art's philosophy. The Key Learnings for this stage are:

The requirements for advancement to the Brown Belt Sr. (4th Geup) are the following:

Brown Belt Sr.

The brown belt senior (4th Geup) in World Taekwondo represents the pinnacle of technical proficiency and a stepping stone towards black belt mastery. 

Students who achieve this rank are not only skilled technicians but also leaders and mentors within the Taekwondo community. Here are the learnings one undertakes at this level. 

Earning the Red Belt 3rd Geup requires demonstrating complete mastery of the brown belt senior curriculum. This includes:

Red Belt

Adorned by students who have diligently climbed the Taekwondo ladder, the red belt (3rd Geup) signifies a critical juncture on the path to black belt mastery in World Taekwondo. 

This stage marks a transition from refining advanced techniques to exploring the deeper philosophies and leadership principles embedded within the art. At this stage, the Students:

Before the students can earn the Black Belt J. (2nd Geup) the students must:

Black Belt Jr.

The Black Belt Junior (2nd Geup) in World Taekwondo signifies a crucial milestone on the path to black belt mastery.

This stage marks a transition from advanced proficiency to refining skills, and exploring deeper philosophies. The Students at this stage learn to:

Before earning the Black Belt (1st Geup) one must demonstrate:

Black Belt

The Black Belt (1st Geup) in World Taekwondo marks the culmination of years of dedicated training and unwavering commitment to the art.

The Black Belt (1st Geup) stage represents a pinnacle of technical accomplishment in World Taekwondo. However, the journey continues beyond this point. Here are the Learnings and characteristics associated with this stage. 

While there is no official requirement to advance from 1st Geup to Dan ranks in World Taekwondo, there are certain expectations for continued development:

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